GETPlugged: New England Patriots Release Tim Tebow

Tebow was this final cut-down day’s biggest storyline because he was the league’s most popular player just two seasons ago inspiring a cult of Tebowmaniacs.

That was back in 2011 when Tebow came off the bench following a 1-4 Denver Broncos start to lead them on a string of late-game wins capped by his improbable wild-card playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ironically, Tebow’s career came full circle when he signed in June with the Patriots, the team that crushed that magical Tebow-led Broncos playoff run in a divisional-round rout.

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The 26-year-old Tebow signed a two-year contract that included no guarantees. In three preseason appearances, he was 11-of-30 passing for 145 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Patriots have carried only two quarterbacks in recent years, and they already have Ryan Mallett backing up Tom Brady. Tebow admitted on Thursday night he wasn’t sure if he’d done enough to stick.

“Go to sleep when I get home, wake up, come work out, watch the film,” he answered regarding his immediate plans. “See what I did good, see what I did bad, try to learn from it and get better.”

The only question now is whether coach Bill Belichick still could have an interest in bringing Tebow back on his 53-man roster at some point, if he believes Tebow can help him win a game or two as a potential read-option situational package wrinkle. There is also the possibility Tebow could help Belichick’s defense prepare for facing a read-option attack by running the scout team offense that week.

But first it remains to be seen if Tebow will be claimed by another team.

Tebow is subject to waivers and has a minimum base salary of $630,000 if a team is interested. But the past 18 months haven’t done anything to help this stock.